the word for the day is... shopping.... militant shopping.  we were accosted by a number of shopkeepers in the underground stalls by the subway... very pushy and aggressive.  Totally violated my Minnesota upbringing to just as aggressively ignore them back, but somehow we managed it.  with the help of Starbucks of course.  got some good deals in the process as well.  also got to do one of my favorite things in any new place i visit... ride the subway.  always makes you feel closer to the people.  

tomorrow we leave for Tianjin.  more when there is more to show.